Manchester Township hasn't had much luck against Pinelands Regional recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Hawks will challenge the Wildcats at 3:45 p.m.
Manchester Township is headed into Monday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Thursday. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 9-8 heartbreaker at the hands of Lacey Township.
Briana Leon and Emily Franolich stepped up to the plate in a big way. Leon went 2-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI, while Franolich got on base in two of her four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base. Annabelle Gray also deserves some recognition as she got her first hit of the season.
Meanwhile, Pinelands Regional waltzed into their game on Thursday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They were the clear victors by an 11-5 margin over the Mariners.
Elianna Meola was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched seven innings while giving up five earned runs off nine hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with three RBI, two runs, and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in May of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Hannah Theuret, who went 2-for-5 with one home run and three RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Cassie Gould, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.
Pinelands Regional kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Toms River North only managed nine hits.
Manchester Township's loss dropped their record down to 3-11. As for Pinelands Regional, their record is now 13-1.
Manchester Township might still be hurting after the 11-1 defeat they got from Pinelands Regional in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Can the Hawks avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
